He added that it "specifically prohibits" the use of tax credits and federal payments for abortion services.

It's the deal the White House struck with Congressman Bart Stupak to get him and his coalition of pro-life Democrats to vote yes for the president's health care bill.

The original abortion funding amendment written by Stupak and others also prohibited tax dollars from paying for abortions. Had it passed, it would have been added to the law books.

Executive orders, however, can be revoked at any time -- which is why pro-lifers are so upset.

"This meaningless piece of paper that the president signed today does not change the actual statutory language, which is what is needed," Susan Muskett of the National Right to Life Committee said.

CBN News spoke with Katie Walker, Communications Director of the American Life League, about the continued abortion funding debate. Click play for her comments on why pro-life groups aren't satisfied with the executive order.

Jennifer Wishon

CBN News White House Correspondent

Jennifer Wishon is the White House correspondent for CBN News based in the network’s Washington, D.C. Bureau. Before taking over the White House beat, Jennifer covered Capitol Hill and other national news, from the economy to the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Follow Jennifer on Twitter @JenniferWishon and "like" her at Facebook.com/JennWishon.